Ingredients:
- 4 slices Thick-cut Bread (Sourdough, Texas Toast, or Rye)
- 8 oz Sliced Deli Turkey Breast
- 1 Tbsp Butter or Oil (for toasting)
- 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise (Full-fat recommended)
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 tsp Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 4 oz Sliced or Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, or Provolone)
- Pinch Smoked Paprika (optional garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the broiler to high and position the oven rack 6-8 inches (15–20 cm) from the heating element. Lightly toast the four slices of bread until sturdy and slightly crispy.
- In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth to create the spread.
- Place the toasted bread slices on a prepared baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of the prepared sauce evenly over the surface of each slice.
- Divide the 8 ounces of sliced turkey and arrange it neatly on top of the sauce layer on all four slices.
- Top the turkey with the sliced or shredded cheese, ensuring good coverage. Sprinkle lightly with smoked paprika if desired.
- Carefully place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler. Monitor continuously for 1–3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Remove immediately when done. Let the melts cool for 30 seconds before transferring them to plates. Serve the Classic Diner-Style Open Faced Turkey Melt immediately while the cheese is molten.